As stimulus curtails, fundamentals will re-emerge as key drivers of portfolio returns
With US monetary policy turning, fundamentals such as productivity and earnings growth are poised to regain prominence as drivers of investment return – with some key indicators “flashing red,” according to BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) Investment Institute’s (BII) mid-year 2015 investment outlook. The mid-year outlook, “Nearing Normal”, provides an update on BII’s main economic assumptions and
July 16, 2015
Nikko Asset Management Australia meets investor demand with offer of Global Share Fund
Australian investors’ increasing appetite for international equities has led Nikko Asset Management Australia to offer the Nikko AM Global Share Fund, the company announced today. According to Rainmaker Information, Australians’ allocation to international equities increased by 16.8% over the year to 31 March 20151. Nikko Asset Management has been actively expanding its existing investment capabilities
July 15, 2015
XPLAN named number one choice for financial advisers
IRESS’ advice and wealth management platform XPLAN has been named the number one choice for financial advisers by research house Investment Trends. The 2015 Investment Trends Planner Technology Report found XPLAN has the lead as the most widely used software, with 56% of advisers using it. The next-placed provider sits at 23%. The report also
July 15, 2015
Key findings of the Investment Trends 2015 Planner Technology Report
Tablets devices are set to become a key part of the advice process in the future Advisers seek and are willing to bear the cost of improved integration in their business XPLAN cements its lead in the software industry with its strong position among large dealer groups Midwinter has the highest satisfaction amongst its users,
July 15, 2015
Advisers are missing the boat when it comes to digital engagement with clients
Most financial planners are not fully leveraging the client engagement opportunities mobile digital technology presents, according to an Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) white paper. The study, conducted by Beddoes Institute with the support of Zurich and the AFA, showed ownership of mobile devices, including smartphones and ‘tablets’, is significantly higher among financial advice clients
July 14, 2015
New designation bringing certainty to clients seeking a trusted adviser
Trusted financial advice is a myth for too many Australians. It’s practically impossible to discern a trusted financial adviser. This is particularly frustrating, given that compulsory superannuation was introduced more than two decades ago and, since then, the industry has failed to build credible, trustworthy firms filled with talented and ethical professionals. There are many
July 14, 2015
Full in-house financial planning service takes off at AvSuper
AvSuper has extended its financial personal advice service to provide a full in-house financial planning service to members. The $2 billion fund appointed three fully qualified and licensed financial planners last month to serve its 6500 members in air services (including pilots, air traffic controllers and those working in the airside fire service). They are
July 14, 2015
Market volatility the new norm, says Deakin finance academic
Deakin finance Associate Professor Victor Fang has warned mum and dad investors to brace for an extended stretch of uncertainty in global markets as volatility becomes ‘the new normal’. But Associate Professor Fang has just one tip for jittery property and share owners: don’t panic. As a former banker, Associate Professor Fang was on the
July 14, 2015
BetaShares Australian ETF Review: ETF industry grows by $3.4 billion in six months
The Australian exchange traded fund (ETF) market continued its rapid growth over the first half of the year according to the BetaShares Australian ETF Review – Half Year 2015, with ETF market capitalisation growing by $3.4 billion (23%) to reach a new record high of $18.4 billion at the end of the 2014/15 financial year.
July 14, 2015
ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN managed volatility equities fund added to Macquarie Wrap
The AllianceBernstein Managed Volatility Equities Fund has been added to the Macquarie Wrap investment platform. Jen Driscoll, AB‘s Chief Executive Officer—Australia, said: “We’re delighted that AB’s Managed Volatility Equities Fund is now accessible via the highly regarded Macquarie Wrap platform.” The Fund aims to reduce volatility by identifying, and investing in, high-quality listed equity securities
July 14, 2015
William Blair on the silk road rally
Recently in Australia to promote William Blair’s Unit Trusts, launched last year, William Blair’s International and Global Equity Specialist, Romina Graiver, said the Chicago-based asset manager’s views of the China market have significantly changed over the past six months, following new leadership focused on avoiding a hard landing of the economy while switching from an
July 13, 2015
